The short answer is no. Although hypnosis is derived from the Greek God of sleep, “Hypnos,” studies have shown that hypnosis and sleep differ. Studies of brain activity have shown that although there are characteristic patterns of brain activity associated with sleep, the same has not been demonstrated in hypnosis. To observers, hypnosis might appear to be like sleep because suggestions for relaxation are commonly given as part of a hypnotic routine. Still, hypnotized people are in a state more similar to wakefulness (which I call a cat-nap state).

Yes, everybody is hypnotizable to some extent – some more than others.

To be hypnotized is often a learned trait. You can teach your body and mind to go into a trance and become more skilled as you practice self-hypnosis. Most people don’t think they are hypnotized after a session. They notice that some things have changed – maybe that day, maybe the next week. Sometimes, the effects are subtle and sometimes profound.

It can happen quickly when the mind is ready to make a change. Sometimes, it happens over time when the mind and body need to do some healing work. I’ve had clients who have felt a change occur during their session. One of my clients was sure that he was not hypnotized in any of the sessions, but after only 3 sessions, his lifetime of procrastination was gone. Many are considered highly hypnotizable – meaning that they can readily experience quite dramatic changes in sensation and perception with hypnosis.

The client ALWAYS has complete control over his/her actions and whether to accept or reject any suggestions made by the hypnotherapist.

The simple answer is No – Absolutely not. This is probably the biggest myth of all. You can’t be made to do anything you don’t want to do in hypnosis. In hypnosis, you retain power over your ability to act upon suggestions. However, if you allow yourself to act upon a suggestion, you may feel the effects are happening by themselves.

Stage hypnotists seem to make people do strange things while hypnotized, but the truth is that these people are doing these things because they have the desire to be outrageous. If the stage hypnotists choose their subjects carefully, they will have willing participants. You will never do anything or accept suggestions that violate your morals or values. If that were possible, all the hypnotists in the world could make you rob the banks and bring back the money. We would be rich and rule the world. Obviously, this is not the case!

It occasionally happens that there is a sense of amnesia after the session. Most hypnotists want you to be aware of the session. You will be aware of everything around you and remember most if not all, that happened in the session. Usually, you will remember it better than a conversation we had because your mind is so focused. I call it the focused awareness of the subconscious mind.

You cannot be hypnotized to do things against your will because you are always in charge, and you know exactly what you’re doing.

The subconscious mind stores all information – our beliefs, habits, behaviors, and self-image.

The subconscious is a tremendous reservoir of our unrecognized strengths and knowledge.

When something happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behavior in response to what happened. Each time something similar happens, our physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. In some cases, these reactions are unhealthy.

Hypnosis is a natural and effective technique for accessing the subconscious mind – the key to unleashing your potential. You are guided to remember the event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behavior, find solutions to your problems and concerns, and replace unhealthy behaviors with new, healthier ones.

Yes – for those who are open and receptive.

During your first visit, you will be asked about your medical and personal history, what brought you in, and what condition you want to address. I will explain to you what hypnosis is and how it works. You will then be directed through relaxation techniques, using mental imagery and suggestions to change behaviors and relieve symptoms. For example, people who have panic attacks may suggest that, in the future, they will be able to relax whenever they want.

Each session lasts about an hour or so, and most people start to see results within 4 – 8 sessions. We monitor and evaluate your progress over time. Children (aged 7 – 12) are easily hypnotized and may respond after only 1 – 2 visits.

For many, a long time. For some, it could be from hours to weeks. It all depends on what they need, what they get out of it, and if they use it to help themselves.

It expands your imagination and can enhance your mind and memory.

Not that I am aware of.

• Hypnosis is used in various settings — from emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics.
• Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease pain and feelings of anxiety.
• Hypnotherapy can reduce the fear and anxiety that some people feel before medical or dental procedures. For example, studies show that dental patients who underwent hypnosis had a significantly higher threshold for pain than those who were not hypnotized.
• Hypnosis may also improve recovery time and reduce anxiety and pain following surgery.
• Clinical trials on burn patients suggest that hypnosis decreases pain (enough to replace pain medication) and speeds healing.

I do not accept insurance. However, some of my clients have been reimbursed by their insurance company for this service with a prescription from a doctor. I write a letter to your doctor requesting the proper referral with his/her diagnosis. With that prescription, a claim form, and my provider statement, this can be submitted for out-of-network reimbursement. I will do everything I can to support this and communicate with your insurance company if needed.

A complimentary 15-minute consultation is provided to all new clients to assess if this therapy fits your healing. During this time, I learn about your needs, discuss what may be involved, and answer any and all questions.

I believe there are only three things that can prevent a person from being hypnotized:

By scheduling a free consultation with me, I will answer any questions you have regarding hypnotherapy to help empower you through this journey and ensure you understand the process of healing through hypnosis.

It is common to be fearful of the unknown and identify the causes of our issues. However, hypnotherapy is not about focusing on the negative but rather making positive connections to our actions and implementing them into our lives. With the knowledge I provide in our free consultation, you can release those fears and open yourself to the goal in mind.

You have already taken the first step by acknowledging and recognizing your need to heal. It is time to let go of further resistance and know a clear light is in sight.

No treatment or therapy can work for you unless you take responsibility and are willing to participate in your wellness. Just allow the process to work for you- and it will.

It can not be removed but can be placed into dormancy for a long time.

No, hypnotherapy does not cure neurological disorders but it can help with the symptoms, such as RSD, anxiety, fears, self-confidence, relationships, insomnia, weight control, etc.

Yes, and it can be quite beneficial.

Yes – it can be quite beneficial.

Upon coming out of the state of hypnosis & deep relaxation, some experience grogginess or feeling light-headed as if waking from a profound nap.

In most cases, no. Yet, some insurance companies honor medical hypnosis and may refund some of the cost.